Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of combination of Pleurotus florida and Agrocybe cylindracea

Background: Several mushroom species have been pointed out as sources of antioxidant compounds, in addition to their important nutritional value. Pleurotus florida & Agrocybe cylindracea are among the most studied species all over the world, but those studies focused on their fruiting bodies instead of other presentations, such as powdered preparations, used as supplements. Methods: In the present work the chemical composition and antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging activity, reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition) of dried powder formulations of the mushroom species Pleurotus florida & Agrocybe cylindracea (PF and AC, respectively) were evaluated. Results: Powder formulations of both species revealed the presence of essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, they present a low fat content (<1 g/100 g) and can be used in low-calorie diets, just like the mushrooms fruiting bodies. Conclusion: PF showed higher antioxidant activity and higher content of tocopherols and phenolic compounds (124 and 770 lg/100 g, respectively) than LPF (32 and 690 lg/100 g). Both formulations could be used as antioxidant Sources to prevent diseases related to oxidative stress.